House of the Dragon season 2 concluded on Sunday, August 4, 2024, with its finale escalating the Civil War between the Targaryens. It showed Queen Rhaenyra, who didn't seem too interested in making amends and resolving her differences with half-brother Aegon II. In episode eight, Alicent Hightower expressed her desire to resolve the conflict between the two fractions, but it was too late to turn back.
While viewers were expecting an incredibly explosive finale to season 2, it ended with more dramatic conversations and intense tensions between the Greens and the Blacks.
House of the Dragon has been renewed for season 3, much to fans' delight as they expect the events of the Dance of the Dragons to continue. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what happens next with the war not having finished.
Additionally, there are several things fans can expect from House of the Dragon season 3, if the creators plan to continue from where season 2 left off. While the date of release and other details have yet to be announced, fans can take a look at some of the things they may see in season 3.
Disclaimer: This article is based on speculations and has not been confirmed by any of the creators of the show.
Multiple significant deaths and betrayals: What to expect from House of the Dragon season 3
1) Battle of Gullet
As seen in the season 2 finale of House of the Dragon, the Civil War might continue in season 3 as well. While Rhaenyra's team has blocked the sea access for King's Landing, the Greens have formed alliances with other cities. This could potentially help them stand against the Blacks, and fans might witness the Battle of Gullet after Dance of the Dragons concludes.
The Greens have the biggest and strongest dragon, Vermithor, and other ruthless warriors. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen has also reinforced her army with Dragonseeds and the support of the newly appointed Lord Paramount of Riverlands, Oscar Tully.
Team Black might win over their rivals, but victory might come at the cost of Corlys Velaryon's home and one of Queen Rhaenyra's sons' lives. Since season 1 of House of the Dragon, writers have made significant changes while adapting George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood, and the same is expected in season 3.
2) Arrival of Prince Daeron Targaryen
Fans expected the introduction of Prince Daeron Targaryen in House of the Dragon season 2 after there were mentions about him, but it didn't happen. However, his dragon, Tessarion, was seen in one of the last episodes of the HBO series, which hinted at his arrival in season 3.
Prince Daeron is Alicent Hightower's kindest and most warm-hearted son, who's introduced in Martin's book during the Battle of Honeywine. However, in the HBO series, the events might be different and Daeron will possibly arrive during the Dance of the Dragons, considering the appearance of Tessarion.
In the book, Prince Daeron proves his bravery and resilience, which earned him the name "Daeron the Daring." The strong, young prince plays a significant role in strengthening team Green.
3) Rhaenyra's Plan to Take Over King's Landing
Another explosive event in House of the Dragon season 3 could be Queen Rhaenyra's attempt to take over King's Landing. She might do so by plotting against Aegon II and her former best friend, Alicent Hightower.
In season 2, Rhaenyra disguised herself as a Septa only to initiate a private conversation with Alicent Hightower and express her idea of peace. However, Alicent disapproved of Rhaenyra's thought, leaving her disappointed.
So, in the upcoming chapter, Rhaenyra could be seen claiming what she believes is rightfully hers, including the Iron Throne and King's Landing.
4) Rhaena with Sheepstealer
Another possible thing in House of the Dragon season 3 is Rhaena claiming one of the wild dragons, Sheepstealer. In the book, Sheepsteler is claimed by a teenage girl named Nettles, but in the HBO series, the writers might have decided to merge her story with Rhaena Targaryen.
In season 2, Rhaena discovers a piece of land filled with the remains of burned sheep, which directly hints at a wild dragon. This is because in the book, Sheepstealer is known for stealing and eating up those animals.
So, there's a possibility that fans might see Rhaena claiming Sheepstealer and strengthening the Blacks with her dragon companion. This will also allow Rhaena to become a key figure in the third season, and her backstory could be explored further.
5) Betrayal of the Two Dragonseeds
The next big thing fans can expect from the upcoming season is witnessing the 'Two Betrayers' in the Blacks. As seen in the HBO series, Hugh Hammer successfully claimed Vermithor and Ulf White claimed Silverwing under Rhaenyra Targaryen.
If the Blacks succeed in taking over King's Landing in season 3, the Greens will undeniably fight to reclaim their land. In Martin's book, Rhaenyra sends Ulf White and Hugh Hammer to block the Greens during the battle of Tumbleton (which takes place in Tumbleton near King's Landing).
Upon reaching the town, Ulf and Hugh witness the huge army of the Greens, and at that moment, they decide to betray Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. Both the Dragonseeds then join team Green, causing a big loss to the Blacks.
Following their betrayal, Hugh Hammer and Ulf White were labeled as the "Two Betrayers," and fans can expect this to happen in House of the Dragon season 3.
6) Two Major Deaths
In the second season of House of the Dragon, Helaena makes a prophecy that Aemond will be "swallowed up in the God's Eye" and never be seen again.
This hints at the possible dragon duel, involving Daemon with his dragon Caraxes, and Aemond with Vhagar indulging in an epic fight above the God's Eye lake. During their fight, the two dragons lock each other, causing them to fall, and Daemon ends up jumping and killing Aemond.
This fight results in Aemond and Vhagar dying underwater, while Carxes dies of fatal injuries. Following their deaths, Daemon's body is never found, sending shockwaves among the Greens and Blacks.
7) Rhaenyra Targaryen might lose a son
The worst thing that could happen to Rhaenyra Targaryen during the war was losing her sons. In Fire & Blood, Jacaerys (Jace) Targaryen dies after he and his dragon Vermax fall into the sea during the Battle of Gullet.
If that battle takes place in the HBO series, there's a high chance that Jace won't survive. While Jacaerys Targaryen dies in the book, Rhaenrya's other son, Viserys, is presumed dead. However, it's unclear whether Viserys will die in House of the Dragon season 3 or the writers will make changes.
8) Rhaenyra to lose control over Dragonstone
House of the Dragon hasn't reached the point where Rhaenyra has seemingly weakened Aegon, and he shocks everyone by taking control of Dragonstone. However, it is expected to happen in season 3, where fans might witness Aegon first getting injured and then unexpectedly attacking Dragonstone.
This will significantly impact Rhaenyra's power dynamics, as Dragonstone plays a major role in strengthening the army of Targaryens.
Seasons 1 and 2 of House of the Dragon are available for streaming on HBO.
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